Another Found Diary

Hey! It has been a little while since I last posted ... 14 years? Anyways, I was walking home from work when I saw a diary. Boy, I'm good at finding diaries, journals etc .... I think it can explain the current events better than I can. Without further ado, here is the diary written by a now grown up Sarah (from an earlier post remember?):


Cher Père,
Désolé je n'avais pas été écrit ces derniers temps. Vous nous manquez beaucoup de choses ici. Mère se porte bien et James a bien grandi maintenant. Il a dix-sept en ce moment. Ai-je vous dire? Nous avions déménagé au Bas-Canada il ya quelques années.Nous vivons mieux maintenant. Je nettoyais la maison quand j'ai trouvé ce journal l'intérieur d'un vieux coffre plus tôt et j'ai pensé que je devrais écrire pour vous. Nous n'avons vraimentvous manquez de mal.

Là, j'ai entendu dire qu'il y avait des erreurs et des problèmes avec un achat de terres par la Couronne. Il est très drôle si vous pensez à ce sujet! Tout d'abord, le lieutenant-gouverneurJohn Graves Simcoe voulait York pour en faire une forteresse militaire parce qu'il était plus loin de les Américains que par Newark. York est très importante, car elle est fréquemment utilisée par les Premières nations pour de nombreuses générations. Il y avait même un village Seneca là aussi.

Quoi qu'il en soit, en 1787, il était contrôlé par Mississauga. Sir John Johnson a rencontré leMississauga et ils ont convenu de la vente de la terre, mais ils ne savaient pas combien de terres que la Couronne a acheté! Le plus drôle, c'est des années plus tard, ils ont trouvél'acte ... vierge! Ha! Comme c'est drôle Ils fixé en Août. La chose même Funner était que Mississauga a donné des terres plus qu'ils avaient convenu en premier lieu! Ha! Je ristrès fort en ce moment.

Désolé. Je dois aller nettoyer et faire le repas avant que James et de la Mère à la maison! Je vais vous écrire bientôt père!

Sarah


TRANSLATION


Dear Father,
Sorry I had not been writing lately. We miss you a lot here. Mother is doing well and James has grown up now. He is seventeen now. Did I tell you? We had moved to Lower Canada a few years ago. We live better now. I was cleaning the house when I found this log inside an old chest earlier and I thought I should write to you. We really miss you a lot.

There I heard there were errors and problems with a purchase of land by the Crown. It is very funny if you think about it! First, the Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe wanted to make York a military stronghold because it was much farther from the Americans than Newark. Anyways,York is very important because it was frequently used by First Nations for many generations. There was even a village Seneca there before.

Anyway, in 1787, York was controlled by Mississauga. Sir John Johnson met with the Mississauga and they agreed to sell the land, but they did not know for sure how much land that the Crown purchased! The funny thing is many years later, they found the act ... blank! Ha! How funny! They fixed it in August though. The funny part was Mississauga gave up FAR more land they had agreed in the first place! Ha! I'm still laughing right now! The whole situation is very humorous.

Darn it! Sorry. I have to go clean and make dinner before James and Mother at home! I'll write to you soon Father!

Sarah

And Even MORE Changes

Dear You,

           Apparently I missed a huge part of the Constitutional Act! The Loyalists wanted 'to have a significant voice in their government". I personally don't mind because this is a nice change I guess but it will take me a little while to get used to it. They only thing I must complain about are that why is only the Legislative Assembly (the assembly that gets the least influence as possible) voted? Also, WHY ARE ONLY MALE PROPERTY OWNERS ALLOWED TO VOTE!!! What about the FEMALE property owners! What about the other males who don't own property! Everybody (well at a certain age) should be able to vote for the Assembly that are deciding the taxes that THEY have to pay! Logically, now we (females and non property owning males) do not have a significant voice in the government either way. Only the 'property-owing men" do... I'm raging right now!!!! ARGGGG!!!!

          Well, I have not explained the whole situation properly yet. Okk so it is like a chart I guess.  First on the list is the Sovereign. He is the king, supreme ruler of all that got his place there by hereditary of course. Then is the Governor who controls the government (Upper and Lower Canada). They appointed by the King . Then comes the Executive Council and the Legislative Council. The Executive Council manages government business. The Legislative Council makes laws. Both councils are appointed. Then comes the Legislative Assembly. the propose laws to the Legislative Council and approves taxes. Only the Legislative Council are elected. And last is the voters. This is why I'm so ticked. Just because we are women we cannot vote! Even if we own property? Why only the men? Whats with the discrimination here!?

          Here in Quebec, it is getting more and more confusing. Loyalists, in my opinion, are causing a lot of trouble here. Especially with that rude letter they sent to the king. Darn! Sorry, I have to go! I recently got a job here in Quebec. I have to support myself too. Anyways, there I get all of the latest gossip from the fellow workers. Shoot! I have to go now or else I'll be late for work! I'll write soon.

Love
Catherine

Even MORE Laws

Darn you, Loyalists.

Ugh, I am so ANGRY! The British Government had just passed a few more laws just hours ago and I am RAGING!!!! Read this little girl's journal to find out why (by the way, I did not steal this but merely picked it off the ground when it 'fell').

Cher Père,
Comment est-il en France? Mère et moi avons été très bien. Récemment, de nombreux loyalistes sont arrivés au Québec. Je suis toujours heureux d'avoir des enfants un peu plus àjouer avec! J'ai parlé avec eux et ils m'ont dit que leurs parents n'aiment pas nos lois autant quenous le faisons. Au moins j'ai fait quelques amis ici, je suppose!

Mère semble très inquiet. Certains des Loyalistes ont écrit une lettre au roi d'Angleterre. Ilsn'étaient pas très heureux avec les modes de vie ici. Le gouvernement avait répondu avec de nouvelles lois et je ne suis pas sûr si la vie ici sera la même. Il ya maintenant une Basse et Haute-Canada et que le Bas-Canada peut continuer le système seigneurial français. Nous vivons dans le Haut-Canada. Ma mère avait toujours vécu avec les anciennes façons del'agriculture. Elle ne supporte pas cette nouvelle façon. En outre, c'est à dire mère, dans le Haut-Canada, il ya beaucoup d'endroits contrôlés par certaines personnes (comme l'Eglise (mais pas celui que nous croyons en)). Mère m'a aussi raconté comment il devait y avoir une assemblée où ils peuvent augmenter les impôts. Il est déjà difficile ici parce que la mère n'a pas seulement pour me soutenir, mais aussi (mon petit frère) James.

Nous avons vraiment envie d'aller au Bas-Canada, le Père. Maman dit que ce sera mieux pour nous là-bas. La seule chose qui nous retient, c'est que dès maintenant nous ne sommes pasdans la bonne position pour passer au Bas-Canada. James ne pourrait jamais faire le long voyage. Nous ne savons pas quoi faire! Je vais écrire bientôt pour vous le Père.

Sarah

Translation

Dear Father,

How is it in France? Mother and I have been doing well. Recently, many loyalists had arrived in Quebec. I am always glad to have some more children to play with! I spoke with them and they have told me that their parents do not like our laws as much as we do. At least I made a few friends here I guess!

Mother seems very worried. Some of the Loyalists have written a letter to the King of England. They were not very happy with the ways of life here. The government had replied with new laws and I am not sure if life here will be the same. There now is a Lower and Upper Canada and only the lower Canada can continue the French Seigneurial system. We live in Upper Canada. My mother had always lived with the former ways of farming. She cannot stand this new way. Also, in Mother's words, in Upper Canada, there are a lot of places controlled by certain people (like the Church (but not the one that WE believe in)). Mother has also told me about how there were to be an assembly where they can raise taxes. It is already hard here because Mother not only has to support me but also (my little brother) James. 

We really want to go to Lower Canada, Father. Mother says that it will be better for us there. The only thing holding us back is that right now we are not in the right position to move to Lower Canada. James could never make the long journey. We don't know what to do! I will write soon to you Father.

Sarah


It's so heartbreaking! Anyways, I'll update you all soon!

RAGEEEE!!!!!!

Dear You,

Why is everybody here so upset with everything. I had just received some angering news.I have to keep this letter short otherwise I will probably ruin my phone screen with my anger.*HULK SMASH*. Oops ... OK Now that my anger is out I can fully explain the story.

The allies of Britain during the American Revolution are really ticked. I'll start off explaining the First Nations situation.

Believe it or not, the First Nations (the Haudensosaunee in fact) to support Britain. Before, they had a treaty of neutrality with the Patriots. Then Thayendanegea (born in Cayahoga 1742) convinced them that Britain would honour them more than the rebels would. Then they fought with the British for many battles. Then Britain decided to ignore its allies. In the Treaty of Paris, Britain had given the right to the First Nations land to the United States. HOLY ... ! They had ignored the people that helped them fight. Those cowards. Then the worst part was that Thayendanegea had to go all the way to London just to petition for his people. Gosh! The more I speak of this the more my anger rises! FINALLY, then they get their land.
Britain and their ... unwise (?) choices ...

OK, that was a little while ago though. Now the big thing that has been happening lately! The Loyalists had arrived for a little while now. You know how Britain was finally being respectful and allowing them to keep their civil law and seigneurial land-holding system? Apparently its OFFENSIVE to the loyalists. Offensive!? Oh Please! Those Loyalists! To believe I was excited for their arrival! Anyways, the way it works is that, farmers get tenure and has a right to occupy the land but does not have full ownership. Apparantly that's a GOOD reason to petition to the king of England that said that they ad been used to the Government and Lay of England and I quote " by Your Majesty's kind actions that they will be 'freed' from French Tenures". HOW RUDE!!! *smashes the wall* Honestly!!!! 'FREED' FROM FRENCH TENURES!!! They have absolutely no manners!

Anyways I must go now. The British government is about to announce some new laws and I believe it's important for me to know (1. for me to know 2. for you to find out 3.for future reference) I'll see you next time (not really)!

Love
Catherine

Article Attempt #2

Dear You,
           Hey! It's been a while! Oh, did I mention earlier that I was recently in Nova Scotia (visiting of course)? I met this famous guy there. His story is incredible! Behold, my second attempt at a good article!

Hero, Lieutenant Moody, comes to Nova Scotia


Loyalist, James Moody has arrived in Sissiboo, Nova Scotia after war with the Thirteen Colonies. Moody is a brave man who will finally rest in Nova Scotia, his new home. He will join thousands of other British citizen who have sided with Britain to be ridiculed and be kicked out of their homes.


Moody is a man of many adventures. He grew up in New Jersey. He was a farmer who refused to take part in the revolution and pledge loyalty. Later, rebels attacked him at his farm.He then joined the New Jersey Volunteers. They are the largest Loyalist regiment in the war. He freed many British supporters from American prisons. He had even freed himself from jail. 


1780, Moody was arrested. Two months later, he broke free of his shackles, stole his guard's musket and ran. When he escaped, the alarm was raised. He then shouldered is musket and joined the police in looking for him. He lived on berries and nuts until he can rejoin his regiment.


Moody will receive half pay as a captain. This higher pay is reward fro his extraordinary bravery. We would like to welcome this exceptional man into our community.


See! I can still write a good article! Well see you next time!

Love
Catherine

They're Coming!

Dear You,
          Hey! Long time no see! Anyways a lot of Loyalists are coming to Quebec. YAY! I know I should not be happy about people being kicked out of their homes but I can't help being excited for our new neighbours. At least they will be welcomed. Anyways, many (and I mean a lot of people) had arrived in the little village in Quebec that I am residing in. It is always nice to have new people (new people= new scoop!) .

          I heard of how they were treated before in the Thirteen Colonies! They were ridiculed, tormented and treated like trash! They're still people with different opinions than the Patriots. That doesn't mean they should be treated like scum and then forced to leave their home AND possessions! Gosh, I wish they left for Quebec earlier so that they would not have to endure that kind of punishment.

            Hmph, those Thirteen Colonies are so smug that they won the war. Oh yeah, they won a war with a POOR country that's trying to help those cheapskates. Congratulations! I mean, I know that a tea and/or paper tax is kind of a stupid idea but if the profits went to protecting myself and our country, I wouldn't mind! Ugh, they still get angry! Those colonists!

           Well, here in Quebec, the Loyalists are being treated very well but there still are many problems. The Black loyalists. Here Loyalists are treated well but the Black ones are not treated as well. Like, honestly! When they (the Loyalists) get supplies to build shelters, the Black Loyalists were almost ALWAYS the last ones to receive supplies. What makes it worse is that there were never enough tools and nails for everybody! I don't think the lack of supplies is really fair for anybody! Especially the people that just gave up everything they had!

Well I'm still upset. Anyways soon I'm going to go to Nova Scotia for like a vacation like thing. I also hear that there's big news there so I MUST see!

Love
Catherine

Interview with a Loyalist

Hello. It has been a long time since I had written an article. It has been even LONGER time since I had interviewed someone and my reporter instincts are as strong as ever. In this exclusive interview with a Loyalist, we speak of the hardships of simply supporting Britain and the discrimination and fear of your neighbours who believe you are a traitor to your own country. Without further ado, my latest masterpiece (the text in italic):

The American Revolution: Supporting Britain

Supporting Britain have caused many colonists their homes. Not supporting the rebellion was all they had done but they had already been labelled as traitors. They had become Loyalists. They had been humiliated for simply believing Britain had done nothing wrong. Loyalist, William Brown, now living in Quebec, gives us an exclusive interview about the hardships of living in the Thirteen Colonies siding with the British.

C: Good afternoon, William. Thank you for letting me conduct this interview. This means a lot to me. Lets start off this interview with a simple question, Why did you support the British?

WB: I felt that my people were giving the British a hard time. They were simply trying to raise funds to protect us when they had passed the Stamp Act and with the Ohio Valley incident, the First Nations were already living there. We had been selfish. I know we could use the land and I was angry at first but now I have calmed down but my people are still not happy. I could not agree with their opinions about the British.

C: How interesting. In New Jersey, 1775, a man by the name of Thomas was accused as an enemy of the country and was humiliated in the most cruellest ways. How did you feel about that?

WB: If the Colonists believed he was a traitor, they should of kicked him out of the village or country into Quebec or Nova Scotia. That way he could of left with his pride but instead they strip him of everything including his dignity until he apologized. He had apologized for believing that the British had done nothing wrong. That was low of the Thirteen Colonies.

C: You had mentioned earlier that you now live in Quebec. What had caused this move, your neighbours or yourself? 

WB: I was forced to go by my Patriot neighbours. I had travelled north by land. I was not as wealthy as some of the other Loyalists but thankfully not as poor as some. I had been a farmer before I left for Quebec. One of the things that I felt that Britain had done right was that they gave freedom to black loyalists who had been slaves before.

C: I have one last question. If you were to go back in time, would you keep your decision to side with the British or become a Patriot?

WB: What a difficult question. I think I would become a Loyalist instead of a Patriot. These countries could live without war and I strongly believe that Britain had done nothing wrong to us. These hardships that I had faced were well worth the fight.

C: Thank you for the interview and taking the time out of your day to meet me here.

WB: It was a pleasure.

Well that was an interesting article. I am completely on the Loyalist's side but I'm trying not to be biased in my articles (ohh did I mention, I still write them! I should post one soon. They're much better than the last one...). Anyways that's the latest news there. Many Loyalists came to Quebec. Yay! More people to meet. That means more interviews! That's all the news so far. I'll update you soon.